Winter Heating Assistance Available for Low-Income Households

Oklahoma City —Winter heating assistance funds will be made available across the state through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is administered through the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS).

DHS will begin taking walk-in applications Tuesday December 8, and will continue until all allocated funds are depleted. DHS has approximately $8 million in federal funds for this year’s Winter Heating Program in Oklahoma.

Each year local county offices experience long lines of applicants.  However, many households receiving public assistance through DHS may already be pre-authorized for the Winter Heating Program and will not need to apply.  Those pre-authorized households will receive a letter before the application period begins.

Additionally, before the beginning of the application period other households receiving DHS assistance may receive an application in the mail.  These households can mail the application back to DHS without needing to come into the office.

Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on each household’s income and assets. If you think you may be eligible and have not received a letter or application in the mail you can apply for the Winter Heating Program available at your local DHS County Office.

Only one payment per household is allowed annually for LIHEAP winter heating assistance.

The maximum income guidelines are:

All persons applying should have the most recent heating bill for their home or fuel supplier name, ID, social security number and verification of income for everyone living in the home when they make application.  For more information, contact your local DHS county office.

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